Also called: Expedition Leader, Zodiac Driver
Guides travelers on expedition ships to Antarctica and the Arctic, driving Zodiac boats and leading landings.
You drive a Zodiac through icebergs, lead a hike past penguin colonies, and give an evening lecture on glaciers. Many polar guides are biologists, geologists, or historians. Seasons alternate between the Arctic summer and the Antarctic summer.
Plus room and board on ship.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Often a science degree plus boat-handling and wilderness medical certifications.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Outdoor Recreation.
Growing faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. Driving Zodiacs and leading landings in Antarctica is hands-on, safety-critical work.
Classes: Biology, Earth science, Physical education.
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